Thursday, August 04, 2005

View from up there !

"The atmosphere almost looks like an eggshell on an egg, it's so very thin"...Discovery Commander Eileen Collins

She describes how widespread environmental destruction on Earth could be seen from the shuttle.

"Sometimes you can see how there is erosion, and you can see how there is deforestation. It's very widespread in some parts of the world. We would like to see, from the astronauts' point of view, people take good care of the Earth and replace the resources that have been used."

The view from up there...Not good. My tree hugging heart sinks. In moments like these, I reach out for support. Nothing dramatic, just my ipod and ColdPlay. I am a big fan of ColdPlay. If you like them, here is a reason to love them.They are one of the few who really care about the environment. They are one of the biggest supporters of future forests.

The name future forests says it all. The aim is to simply "replace resources" and restore carbon balance. Future Forests gets involved in a wide range of forests around the world. They work with planting partners in UK, Mexico, India, Germany, North America and Canada.

One project in particular caught my attention. In Gudibanda, Karnataka, India future forests have joined hands with Women For Sustainable Development, to create a forest of mango trees. The project is unique in the sense that it provides both carbon absorption and viable income for the locals. Truly a great story.

I say unto thee. Adopt a tree. Let the tree hugger in you be free.

Update: The project to plant mango trees did not go well. Read about it here

Quote of the day"He who plants a tree, plants a hope"... Lucy Larcom, "Plant a Tree"

Last week's Economist has an article on how planting trees can exacerbate drought and fail to tackle climate change..its an interesting perspective..:http://economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=4221504

It is true what she said in her speech. It is quite painful to be a nature lover these days. The bad news are everywhere and the good news few and far between. I try and be an optimist. It is difficult sometimes!

The Economist article is indeed different. I will try and find out more about the two studies listed in the article. I do find it hard to believe the study at this point.

New Mexico is a place where there is severe water shortage. Communities and counties have used similar reasoning and are thinking (or already started) thining forests! Needless to say timber companies are all happy